1. Trait Theories
Ch. 14 Section 5

2. What is a trait?
A predisposition to respond in a certain way in many different situations.
Trait Theory:
Every trait applies to all people.
Traits can be quantified (like on a scale of 1 to 10).
We all have the same ingredients, just in different amounts.

3. I. Gordon Allport: Identifying Traits
Our traits are consistent.
Categorized 3 kinds of traits:
CARDINAL TRAIT: so pervasive, a person identifies as that trait (ex: Ebenezer Scrooge)
CENTRAL TRAIT: makes us predictable in most situations (ex: flirtatious, assertive)
SECONDARY TRAIT: influences our taste/preferences, like in music, fashion, food. (ex: listens to metal; would never even try sushi, etc.)

4. II. Raymond Cattell: 16-Trait Theory
Used factor analysis to quantify traits.
Found 46 traits called surface traits- observable behavior.
Clustered them into 16 source traits- at the core of everyone’s personality and can be used to predict people’s behavior.
Everyone has these traits, but in different amounts.

5. III. Hans Eysenck: Dimensions of Personality
Two basic dimensions of personality:
Stability vs. Instability (the degree to which a person has control over their emotions)
Extraversion vs. Introversion

6. IV. The Robust Five Theory
Five traits appear repeatedly in different research studies:
1. Extraversion (vs. Introversion)
2. Agreeableness (vs. Cruelty)
3. Conscientiousness (vs. Irresponsible)
4. Openness to experience (vs. Close-mindedness)
5. Emotional Stability (vs. Neurotic)